For many, camping for leisure used to be limited to the summer months. December was too dark, February meant freezing, and April showers were annoying at best. But those were the less-good old days. Thanks to the evolution of camping gear, it’s never been easier to stay comfortable in the great outdoors 365 days a year. But wait, it gets better. You don’t need to have separate stuff for each season. Save money, and space, by investing in gear you can use rain, shine, or snow. From a thermos that will keep your lemonade ice cold and your cocoa piping hot to a tent with both ventilation and insulation, here are seven of the best four-season camping products money can buy right now.
Here are Seven Outdoor Essentials You Can Use In Any Season
1. Yeti Rambler
Thank Sir James Dewar, a British scientist born in 1842, for inventing the world’s first vessel featuring double-walled vacuum insulation. While Dewar experimented with flasks, today’s best example of this revolutionary technology is the Yeti Rambler. Available in an array of sizes, it keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for hours. That said, don’t fill it with liquids above 185℉. And fret not about struggling to hold it. Thanks to Yeti’s No Sweat™ exterior, your hands will stay safe and dry regardless of what you’re drinking. This versatile bottle is also a great option for kids since it’s leakproof and comes in so many fun colors.
2. GEERTOP Ultralight 4-Season Waterproof Tent
Because they’re made of more durable, expensive materials, it’s hard to find four-season tents for under $200. Fortunately, Amazon carries this budget-friendly best-selling tent (it has more than 1,600 five-star ratings) designed to perform in a myriad of weather conditions. For starters, it boasts a special UV-resistant coating that means it won’t fade in the summer sun. Then there’s the ultra waterproof coating that repels moisture, and the snow skirt which ensures you won’t wake up buried in a drift. “Quality, lightweight, and easy to set-up” is the title of one rave review from a Montana-based camper who says they’ve used it in temps ranging from -30℉ to 70℉+.
3. Black Diamond Mega Snow 4P Tent
It’s also not easy to find four-season tents for four or more people. In fact, it’s nearly impossible. However, Black Diamond makes this spacious shelter weighing just under 4lbs. In addition to being ultra lightweight, it’s also so easy to set up you can do it with one hand, in the dark. And while it’s designed to be used in a blizzard, it’s also ideal for the warmer months when you want shade and a place to hide from those pesky mosquitoes. It’s compatible with Black Diamond’s Mega Bug Mesh Shelter.
4. Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
Of course, this packable, and wearable (thanks to the cape clip), blanket is a no-brainer for winter camping. It’s insulated with 100-percent recycled material that promises to keep you as cozy as its down counterparts. That said, the Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket is also a must for getting out and about in the warmer months, especially if your outdoor pursuits involve picnics and/or trips to the beach. Not only does this blanke’s waterproof DWR finish block moisture from penetrating the fabric, it also repels sand, dirt, and stains.
5. Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino T-Shirt
It may seem counter-intuitive, but wool, especially merino, is one of the best fabrics you can wear on triple-digit days. Because these natural fibers have to keep sheep cool in the summer and warm in the winter, they’re temperature regulating. By wicking away moisture (including sweat), you never overheat or get cold and clammy. Because merino also prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria, this shirt from Smartwool is a camping staple you can wear for days on end. “I initially bought this as a base layer for winter, but I find myself wearing this t-shirt all the time,” wrote one happy camper who says “it’s super comfy” and “the fit is perfection.”
6. Blanket Shirt
Not only has Kelly Slater been designated the world’s best surfing champion a record-breaking 11 times, he’s also designed the GOAT of camp shirts. In fact, his clothing company, Outerknown, says it’s the brand’s most “beloved item for all seasons.” Available in Men’s and Women’s, this button-down top can be worn as a shirt Memorial Day through Labor Day and as a jacket the rest of the year. It’s pricey, but that’s because it’s made of high-quality, sustainably-sourced organic cotton (which also has temperature-regulating properties). It looks just as at home at a beach bonfire as it does at an alpine lake.
7. Explore Scientific 8300mAh Power Bank with Red LED Flashlight
Named one of Space.com’s best power banks of 2024, this dual-purpose product—it doubles as an LED flashlight—is a must if you plan on camping in extreme temperatures. Most power banks refuse to work if they’re not within 20 degrees of room temperature. However, this game-changer can juice up all your devices in temperatures ranging from -4℉ to 140℉+. That means you can use it while camping in both Death Valley National Park and Denali National Park and Preserve.
Katie Jackson is a writer and media specialist based in Montana’s Big Sky Country. Living and working everywhere from New York to Nicaragua, Katie is no stranger to adventure. When she’s not traveling the world (or writing about it!) she’s busy chasing after a Leonberger named Zeus. Follow Katie’s travels on Instagram @katietalkstravel.
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Prices are accurate at time of publishing. Note that they are subject to change at the discretion of Amazon or their marketplace sellers.
